Medicaid Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a federal Medicaid mandate, warning Oregon could face major eligibility and technology overhaul problems without clear guidance. Education Grants Backlash: Two nonprofits are asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate Oregon’s grant program that they say uses race-based quotas and bonuses to fund schools. Public Health Tech: A Portland startup, Nectome, says it can preserve an entire pig brain with minimal damage after death and plans to offer similar brain-preservation procedures to terminally ill patients. Wildlife Warning: Gray whales are dying in record numbers again, with starvation and lack of food blamed as 2026 looks set to be among the deadliest years on the West Coast. Energy Reliability: Pacific Northwest utilities warn of growing electricity shortages and possible blackouts unless states adjust clean-energy timelines, expand transmission, and consider temporary backup power. Workforce & AI: A new report highlights how internship pipelines are straining as employers demand experience and AI reshapes what “ready” looks like. Oregon Libraries: A Hermiston library director reflects on 35 years of tech change while keeping libraries centered on community needs.